Cricut Explore 5 vs. Siser Romeo: Choosing a Smart Cutting Machine (2026)

Several times, Leonardo released all kinds of errors without explaining how to fix the problem. You’re forced to reject the message before doing anything else, which feels like a slap in the head before you try to solve it yourself or look at Leonardo’s mistake.

Connectivity, fortunately, is simple and seamless. Romeo connects to your computer over Wi-Fi instead of Bluetooth, which sounds trivial until you deal with the problems Bluetooth can sometimes create (looking at you, Design Space). During my testing of the Explore 5, I would occasionally get a Bluetooth connection, prompting me to disconnect the device from my computer, reconnect it, and try again. I don’t know if this is a problem with Design Space or my laptop running a lot of Bluetooth devices, but it could be a headache. Through my testing, I have never had an unexpected Romeo machine.

Creating Space

There is no turning around: Romeo is big-It has twice the cutting width of the Explore 5. It’s not the kind of machine that sits easily on a closet shelf when you’re not using it. Many people will want to give a table to it. This doesn’t mean it’s complicated, but it’s meant to be there as a repository for your work. (And remember to calculate the clearance at the back of the machine, since the equipment eats at the back!). But it is strong and well built; it didn’t move on the table while cutting, there was little vibration, the carrier moved smoothly without rattles, and nothing shifted or vibrated.

Its open design is another trade-off. Unlike the Explore 5, which is foldable, everything is visible on the Romeo. I haven’t noticed any leaks yet, but I do worry about pet hair and dust getting in, and it’s something I’ll keep an eye on from time to time.

When it cuts, the Romeo hums and whines like a singing internet, while the Cricut hums and hums like an old inkjet printer. It’s not too loud, but it’s important to know if you’re going to share a work space.

Graduation Time?

Photo: Nicole Kinning

After spending time with both machines, my main takeaway is that the Cricut was designed to eliminate as many decisions and conflicts as possible. Romeo gives you controls and expects you to learn how to use them.